Tries from Damien Varley and Doug Howlett helped the two-time Heineken Cup champions to victory. Northampton's Chris Ashton and James Downey scored for the visitors who just missed out on a historic win in Limerick.

Munster went through 41 phases of play in the build up O'Gara's dramatic injury-time winner.

In the same group, the Scarlets' held off an impressive Castres to open their Heineken Cup campaign with a 31-23 win.

Scotland international Sean Lamont was among the try scores as Welsh fly-half Stephen Jones added three penalties and two conversions to Llanelli's total.

Jones' international teammate Rhys Priestland kicked a penalty eight minutes from time was enough to end any hope of a Castres fightback.

After losing their Under-20s Six Nations crown to England Under-20s in a thrilling final round, France Under-20s lock Tristan Labouteley insists his side will be out for revenge at this year's Junior World Championship.